Daily Edition

NBC not 'Mad' about pilot

Networks passes on David E. Kelley legal drama

The verdict is in: David E. Kelley's legal drama "Legally Mad" is not going forward at NBC.

After originally opting to keep the pilot in contention for midseason, the network has decided to pass, triggering a seven-figure penalty to the Warner Bros. TV-produced drama.

There are no immediate plans for the project to be shopped elsewhere.

Also not expected to make it on NBC is the Dick Wolf-produced "Lost & Found." There has been talk about shopping the quirky crime procedural starring Katee Sackhoff to sister cable network USA, but that is considered a long shot. USA already has a relationship with Wolf through his "Law & Order: Criminal Intent," which migrated to the cable channel from NBC. USA also has a law enforcement drama with a strong female lead in "In Plain Sight."

NBC's third pilot left standing after its infront last week, the comedy "Off Duty," likely will be redeveloped.

Meanwhile, "V" and "Limelight" screened to mixed reviews Monday at ABC. Of the two, "V" remains in the mix after scoring well with its alien characters.

With screenings at the network wrapping up, all pilots except the comedies "No Heroics" and "The Bridget Show" got some traction, with the dramas "Happy Town," "The Forgotten" (formerly "The Unknown") and "Cougar Town" as front-runners.

The top contenders at the other networks include "Human Target," "Past Life" and "Brothers" at Fox; the "NCIS" spinoff, "The Good Wife" and "Accidentally on Purpose" at CBS (the comedy "Happiness Isn't Everything" is said to be in the running for midseason); and "Melrose Place" and "Vampire Diaries" at the CW.

In the battle of CBS' three medical dramas, "The Eastmans" is said to have the edge for the moment.